Innovation for Patients
Since 2000, the Clinical Trials Research Unit in the Mater Hospital has been at the forefront of cancer clinical trials in Ireland. Research developments in the laboratory may lead to new drug developments, and to test whether they are effective in patients with serious illnesses, clinical trials are held. Since the unit opened in the Mater, over 1,500 patients have participated, with some people experiencing life-saving treatment.
Research for the Future
The Mater Foundation has recently funded several areas of key research thanks to our supporters:
• Prof Malcolm Kell and the team in BreastHealth Mater undertook research into improving the quality of life of patients after breast cancer reconstruction surgery.
• Dr Catherine McGorrian of the Family Heart Screening Clinic published research findings that found 30% of families that lost someone to Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) potentially had an inherited cardiac condition.
How Your Gift Saves Lives
One patient of the Mater Hospital – Tom Murphy from Co. Kerry – believes he would not be here today without your support. Just months after being given the all clear from skin cancer, Tom learned the melanoma had returned on his arm and it was particularly aggressive. It was through a 12-week clinical trial using immunology (where the drugs encourage the patient’s immune system to attack the disease) in the Mater that Tom beat the cancer once again. The potential to have more results like Tom’s can only happen with your support.
Thinking of Tomorrow
The Mater Foundation is currently funding numerous cancer clinical trials, but, more than ever, we need your support to keep them going. For people like Tom Murphy, your gifts make the world of difference.
